Kuzum Baba Hill

Religious Building and Viewing Point in Vlorë

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Shkelzen A. Rexha

Kuzum Baba Hill in Vlora is a site of both historical and spiritual significance, overlooking the city and the bay with sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. The hill is named after Quzum Baba, a revered Bektashi holy figure who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of the Bektashi faith in Albania after being educated and trained in Turkey. According to legend, after Quzum Baba was treacherously killed at the Koçiu Pass, he carried his severed head uphill to the city, where local believers buried him and established a tomb in his honor. This miraculous story has imbued the hill with a profound sense of reverence, making it a pilgrimage site for followers of the Bektashi order.

The hill is home to the Kuzum Baba Bektashi Tekke, a spiritual center built and rebuilt over centuries on the site of Quzum Baba’s tomb. The tekke has served as a place for worship, meditation, and community gatherings, reflecting the enduring presence of Bektashi practices in Vlora. Its elevated location and peaceful surroundings create a contemplative atmosphere, allowing visitors and devotees to connect with the spiritual history of the region while overlooking the city and coastline.

Kuzum Baba Hill is not only a religious site but also a symbol of resilience and devotion. Over the centuries, the tekke and tomb survived attacks, periods of closure during the communist ban on religion, and wartime occupations, yet it remains a center of spiritual life and cultural identity for the people of Vlora. Today, it continues to host religious ceremonies and community events, attracting visitors who come to honor the legacy of Quzum Baba and experience the serene, sacred environment of the hill.

The Kuzum Baba Hill appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Vlorë!

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